Scientists are creating a computer system that will make a shoeprint almost as useful as a fingerprint when it comes to investigating crime scenes. The system will work out what type of shoe a criminal was wearing by studying the pattern left by their footprints. It’s expected to be a success as it’s difficult to commit a crime without leaving a shoeprint, especially when wearing trainers for a quick get away! In a trial the new system worked out the correct shoe from 85 per cent of prints. The computer system will keep a massive record of shoeprints. Each of these will link to features shoes with such patterns would be likely to have. Professor Allinson, an expert in forensic work, said: “We all leave footprints, and though they are not as unique as DNA or fingerprints, they are good intelligence and can be good evidence.”